Locally the Vancouver Whitecaps continue to play exceptional soccer drawing record numbers to BC Place while at the same time attracting new fans to their game.
Impressive as it might seem it’s no real surprise that possibly has to do with the change in coaching style along with a new technique brought to the system.
Last night’s match saw the Whitecaps earn a point after playing to a 0-0 draw against Austin FC in a match played at the Q2 Stadium which extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches.
The following press release is from the Whitecaps!!
Whitecaps FC started the match defensively sharp, with Édier Ocampo making a smart goal-line clearance to deny Austin an early goal in the opening moments.
After an early Austin push, momentum swung back in ‘Caps favour as they began to control the match. Ocampo later went up the other side and nearly found the top corner after a volleyed effort inside the box, but his shot kept rising.
Brandon Vázquez had a great chance to open the scoring after a deflected free-kick found him alone in the box, but he was unable to get his feet sorted to get a proper shot on target.
‘Caps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka came up clutch to deny Osman Bukari just before the half-hour mark, after the right winger headed a fierce effort on goal at the back post.
The Blue and White kept battling Austin for supremacy throughout the rest of the first half, with both teams going into the break on level terms.
The second half saw Takaoka continue his solid performance as he rebuffed chances from Austin FC early on.
Later in the half, Sam Adekugbe crossed a dangerous ball towards the back post from the left side and nearly found Jayden Nelson, but it was cleared before the winger could rush onto the ball. From the following throw-in,
Brian White jumped the highest and headed an effort on goal but Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver was able to collect.
Sebastian Berhalter tried his luck a few minutes later, hitting a first-time shot from the edge of the box but flying it into the hands of Stuver.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Takaoka once again showed up to deny Bukari a brilliant chance on the edge of the box, pushing his shot wide of the goal.
That would prove to be a key moment as the ‘Caps earned a valiant point away from home to keep their undefeated streak going.
Whitecaps FC are back in action as they travel to Winnipeg to face off against Valour FC on May 20 in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the TELUS Canadian Championship with the Kickoff from Princess Auto Stadium set for 5:30 p.m. PT.
They then travel to Sandy, Utah to battle Real Salt Lake at 6:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 24 at America First Field.
The ‘Caps return home to BC Place on Wednesday, May 28 for a top of the West clash against Minnesota United FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
MATCH DETAILS
Attendance: 20,738, Referee: Alexis Da Silva
Statistics
Possession: ATX 46.9% – VAN 53.1%, Shots: ATX 16 – VAN 5
Shots on Goal: ATX 5 – VAN 2, Saves: ATX 2 – VAN 5
Fouls: ATX 16 – VAN 12 Offsides: ATX 1 – VAN 2
Corners: ATX 10 – VAN 2
Cautions
39’ – VAN – Édier Ocampo
39’ – ATX – Guilherme Biro
68’ – ATX – Ilie Sánchez
76’ – ATX – Owen Wolff
